Football league season
The 2018–19 National League season, known as the Vanarama National League for sponsorship reasons, was the fourth season under English football's new title of National League, fifteenth season consisting of three divisions and the fortieth season overall.[1]
National League
Football league season
The National League consists of 24 clubs.
Promotion and relegation
The following clubs changed divisions after the 2017–18 season:
Despite a 2–1 defeat to Boston United on 21 April 2018, Salford City became 2017–18 National League North champions after Harrogate Town lost 3–1 to Bradford Park Avenue. Havant & Waterlooville were crowned 2017–18 National League South champions on 28 April after a 3–2 victory over Concord Rangers. On 13 May, Harrogate Town were promoted after a 3–0 win against Brackley Town in the 2017–18 National League North playoff final. All three teams played in the National League for the first time in their histories. On the same day as Harrogate's promotion, Braintree Town were also promoted after beating Hampton & Richmond 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the 2017–18 National League South playoff final, securing an instant return to the National League.
On 24 April, after 97 years as an EFL club, Chesterfield were relegated to the National League following Morecambe's 0–0 draw against Cambridge United. On 5 May 2018, despite a 3–0 victory against Chesterfield, Barnet became the second club to be relegated from League Two following Morecambe's 0–0 draw against Coventry City, ending their three-year stay in the EFL.
These teams replaced Macclesfield Town, Tranmere Rovers, Chester, Guiseley, Torquay United and Woking. Macclesfield Town were crowned 2017–18 National League champions and promoted to League Two on 21 April after a 2–0 victory over Eastleigh, ending their six-year absence from the EFL. Tranmere Rovers were promoted to League Two on 12 May after a 2–1 victory over Boreham Wood in the playoff final and returned to the EFL after a three-year absence. Boreham Wood and Sutton United were invited to compete in the 2018–19 Scottish Challenge Cup in a new expansion of that competition as the highest-finishing remaining teams in the division.[2]
Chester were the first team to be relegated from National League on 8 April after a 2–0 loss to Tranmere Rovers. Despite staying up on the final day for the past two seasons, it was not to be third time lucky for Guiseley who joined them on 17 April after a 1–0 loss to relegation rivals Barrow. Torquay United became the third team to be relegated from the National league on 21 April after a 1–1 draw with Hartlepool United, confirming the club's first ever relegation to the sixth tier. The fourth and final team to suffer relegation was Woking, who were relegated on 28 April following a 2–1 defeat to Dover Athletic, ending their five-year stay in the National League.
Team changes
Stadiums and locations
Locations of the 2018–19 National League clubs (Greater London shown in more detail below)
Locations of the 2018–19 National League clubs (Greater London)
Personnel and sponsoring
Managerial changes
League table
Source: National League official site
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Number of matches won; 5) Head-to-head results
(C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
- ^ Gateshead were deducted 9 points for breach of financial regulations.[9]
- ^ Gateshead were demoted to the National League North on 8 June 2019 because of financial irregularities. As a result, Aldershot Town were given a reprieve from relegation.[10]
- ^ Braintree Town were deducted 3 points for fielding an ineligible player in a game against AFC Fylde.[11]
Play-offs
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
Results table
Source: National League Results Grid
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.
Top scorers
- As of matches played 10 April 2019[13]
Monthly awards
Each month the Vanarama National League announces their official Player of the Month and Manager of the Month.
Team of the Season
At the end of the season, the National League announced its official team of the season.[27]
National League North
Football league season
Team changes
Stadia and locations
Locations of the 2018–19 National League North clubs (Greater Manchester shown in more detail below)
Locations of the 2018–19 National League North clubs (Greater Manchester)
Personnel and sponsoring
League table
Source: National League official site
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Number of matches won; 5) Head-to-head results
(C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Play-offs
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
Results table
Source: National League North Match Grid
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.
Managerial changes
Top scorers
- As of matches played 17 March 2019[34]
Monthly awards
Each month the Vanarama National League North announces their official Player of the Month and Manager of the Month.
National League South
Football league season
The National League South consisted of 22 clubs.
Team changes
Stadia and locations
Locations of the 2018–19 National League South clubs (Greater London shown in more detail below)
Locations of the 2018–19 National League South clubs (Greater London)
League table
Source: National League official site
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Number of matches won; 5) Head-to-head results
(C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
- ^ Chelmsford City received a bye to the semi-finals, after Concord Rangers were barred from the play-offs.
- ^ a b Concord Rangers were barred from the play-offs due to failing ground size regulations.[42]
- ^ Concord Rangers were deducted three points for infringing league rules.
Play-offs
Quarter-final
Semi-finals
Final
Results table
Source: National League South Match Grid
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.
Top scorers
- As of matches played 27 April 2019[43]
Monthly awards
Each month the Vanarama National League South announces their official Player of the Month and Manager of the Month.
Step 3 Super Playoffs
With the introduction of a new division at Step 3 of the National League System, an altered promotion playoff process was implemented for the 2018–19 season for clubs to reach the National Leagues North and South for the 2019–20 season.[61]
As per prior seasons, 3 teams were relegated each from the North and South leaving 6 vacancies to fill. Each of the winners of the four Step 3 leagues were automatically promoted to the National Leagues North & South for 2019–20.
The Champions of the Step 3 leagues are:
Each of the four leagues ran a playoff involving the teams finishing from second to fifth. The winners of these playoffs proceeded to the Super Playoffs.
The playoff winners are:
The winners of the following two fixtures were promoted:
References
- ^ "The Official National League Website". National League. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- ^ "Sutton United & Boreham Wood to enter Irn Bru Scottish Challenge Cup". BBC Sport. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^ a b "Peter Taylor and Terry Harris announced as the new Dagenham & Redbridge managerial team". Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ @EastleighFC (2 August 2017). "Here is the 2017/18 third kit #Spitfires" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Fc Halifax Town | Online Shop for FC Halifax Official Merchandise". www.fchtshop.com.
- ^ "2017/18 Home Shirt Revealed – Gateshead FC". Archived from the original on 2018-04-23. Retrieved 2018-04-23.
- ^ "MAIDENHEAD UNITED ANNOUNCES NEW EXCITING PARTNERSHIP WITH BLK". www.pitchero.com.
- ^ "Salford City FC Football Kits, Shirts & Training Wear | Official Umbro". Archived from the original on 2019-05-06. Retrieved 2018-04-23.
- ^ BBC Sport: Gateshead: Club suspended from National League after 'multiple breaches' of financial rules
- ^ "National League Annual General Meeting Headlines – The Vanarama National League". www.thenationalleague.org.uk.
- ^ "National League Statement: Braintree Points Deduction – The Vanarama National League". www.thenationalleague.org.uk.
- ^ "National League Top Scorers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Awesome Akil Is Wrexham's Golden Boy". National League. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Full Force! Jamie Is August's National League No1 Boss". National League. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Marvellous Marvin Is Orient's Number One". National League. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Graham Golden As Salford Soar In September". National League. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Former Premier League Man Mike Makes A Big Splash". National League. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Sam Secures The Top Manager Award As Wrexham Power On". National League. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Who's The Daddy! Justham's Been Just Brilliant". National League. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ Sam Elliott. "Justin Caps Year To Remember With Top Boss Award". National League. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ a b "National League January awards". The Non-League Football Paper. 8 February 2019.
- ^ a b "National League February awards". The Non-League Football Paper. 8 March 2019.
- ^ a b "National League March awards". The Non-League Football Paper. 5 April 2019.
- ^ "Mo Is The Man As Iron Become Tough Again!". The Non-League Football Paper. 3 May 2019.
- ^ "HESSENTHALER WINS LEAGUE AWARD". Dover Athletic F.C. 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Vanarama National League Team Of The Season Confirmed". National League. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ Field of Dreams: Capacity passes 4000 mark, Spennymoor Town FC, 17 August 2020, retrieved 2023-05-23
- ^ "York City: Bootham Crescent". Football Ground Guide. Archived from the original on 30 April 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
- ^ "York City sack Gray five games into season". The Yorkshire Post. 19 August 2018.
- ^ "FC United of Manchester – News Story". F.C. United of Manchester. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
- ^ "FC United of Manchester – News Story". F.C. United of Manchester. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
- ^ "Marc Richards appointed as Hereford FC coach". Hereford Times.
- ^ "National League North Top Scorers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
- ^ a b "AWARDS National League North Monthly Awards". Hereford F.C. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "Ed Is Head Boy As Midfield Freescorer Is Rewarded". National League. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ "He's Bossing It! Loyal Jason Is The Moors Man Of The Moment". National League. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ "Gary's Been Golden As Chester Fire Themselves In Title Race". National League. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "Positive Parkinson Is The North's Best Boss In October". National League. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "Double Tops For Port As Morgan Makes It Two". National League. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ "Wonder Of Watson Means A Magical Month At Southport". National League. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ "Concord Rangers: National League South club denied play-off place". BBC Sport. 26 April 2019.
- ^ "National League South Top Scorers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
- ^ a b "Vanarama Monthly Awards". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "Jumping Jack Is Slough's Super September Stopper!". National League. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ "City's September Super Show Just Saintly For Allinson". National League. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ "Moses Is The Man Of The Moment For Billericay". National League. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "Top Boss Gary Has Really Got The Gulls Dreaming Again". National League. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "Josh Is On The Case To Aid Woking's Revival". National League. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Winner Leigh Is Getting His Teeth Into White Tigers". National League. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Gulls Glovesman Proves It's Not All About Attackers!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "High Five For Jones As Oxford End 2018 In Superb Style!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Giddens Gets His Hands On South's Big Prize". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Glory For Gill As Bath City Enjoy Flying Start To 2019!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Claret Chris Is Chelmsford's City Slicker!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Two Heads Better Than One As Dartford Clean Up!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Marvellous Marvel Has Hungerford Aiming High". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "No Double Trouble As Rebels' Dream Team Sweep Up!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Fab Fabien Has Gloucester On The Up Again". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "Top Boss Cook Has Really Got His Teeth Into The Tigers!". National League. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
- ^ "REVEALED: How the new Step 3 and 4 play-off structure works..." Jun 21, 2018.
